EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find car rental deals in Bologna. Compare prices and book in one place. Simple. Pick up at Bologna Airport (BLQ), the city center or Bologna Centrale, with real-time availability from major car rental brands and transparent pricing including insurance options. For day trips to Modena, Parma, Florence and the Motor Valley, remember to set your navigation to avoid Bologna’s ZTL restricted zones.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bologna Airport (BLQ) | • Larger vehicle selection • Extended operating hours • Major rental companies present • Easy access to motorway network |
• 16% airport surcharge • 6 km (3.7 miles) from city center • Potential wait times during peak periods |
| Bologna City Center | • No airport surcharge • Convenient for train arrivals • Multiple locations near train station |
• Limited vehicle selection • Restricted traffic zones (ZTL) • Challenging city navigation • Shorter operating hours |
| Bologna Train Station | • Convenient for train arrivals • Good connection to public transport • No ZTL issues for pickup/return |
• Moderate vehicle selection • Can be busy during peak travel times |
If arriving by train but planning extensive regional travel, consider taking the 15-minute shuttle bus to the airport for better car selection despite the airport surcharge.
On average, car rentals in Bologna cost around €85 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €11 per day.
Compare pickup spots: city center has no surcharge, BLQ airport adds a 16% fee but has more cars and longer hours. Arriving by train? The 15-minute shuttle to BLQ can be worth it. The train station is a good middle ground with no ZTL issues.
Time your booking to demand: for summer and Bologna Fiere weeks, book 1-2 months ahead. In winter or quieter weeks, monitor prices 1-2 weeks out and pounce when they dip.
Pick the right car: choose the smallest manual that fits your crew and bags. Automatics are limited and usually 20-30% more.
Flex dates and duration: test different pickup/return times and 7-day rentals, which often have a lower per-day rate. Avoid after-hours pickups to sidestep potential fees.
Trim extras and running costs: keep additional drivers to a minimum, use your phone with offline maps instead of renting GPS, and fuel at self-service stations away from the autostrada.
Dodge fines and parking costs: set nav to avoid ZTL in Bologna’s center, use Park & Ride or garages near the edge, and consider pickup/return at the train station to keep things simple.
| Area | Parking Options | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Bologna Historic Center | • Blue lines (paid parking) • Public garages (Piazza VIII Agosto, Piazza Roosevelt) • Limited street parking |
Strict ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) in effect. Unauthorized entry results in fines. Hourly rates apply for car spaces. |
| Bologna Outskirts | • White lines (free parking) • Park & Ride facilities • Shopping center car parks |
Park & Ride locations connect to city center via public transport. Free spaces fill quickly during weekdays. |
| Day Trip Destinations | • Dedicated tourist car parks in smaller towns • Paid lots in most cities |
Many historic towns have ZTL zones. Look for spaces outside historic centers and walk in. |
| Shopping Areas | • Free time-limited spaces at shopping centers • Suburban commercial zones offering free parking |
Shopping centers like Centro Borgo or Centro Lame offer free spaces but have time limits. |
Important Traffic Rules:
Get a rental so you can visit:
Modena – acetaie, Enzo Ferrari Museum
Parma – Parmigiano-Reggiano dairies, prosciutto producers
Motor Valley – Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, Pagani
Ravenna – mosaics, beaches
Dozza, Brisighella, Comacchio – murals, olive oil, canals
Colli Bolognesi and Romagna wine areas – Lambrusco, Sangiovese, wineries
How strict are the ZTL zones in Bologna? They're very strict. In Bologna's historic center, cameras automatically give you a big fine if you drive in without permission. Most rental cars aren't allowed in these zones unless your hotel has organized a pass for you. You should always ask your hotel about parking.
Can I park overnight on the street in Bologna? Yes, but there are rules. You usually pay for blue-lined spaces from 8 AM to 8 PM, Monday to Saturday. The hours change depending on the area, and some central spots also charge on Sundays and holidays. Always check the signs. White-lined spaces are usually free, but watch out for spots that are just for locals or have a time limit. Parking overnight in a garage is often the safest choice, but you will have to pay a nightly fee.
Are there any recommended day trips from Bologna that avoid motorways? Yes, you can take a few beautiful drives. You could try the SS65 road to Florence through the Apennines, the route to Dozza and Imola through wine country or the countryside drive to Modena through small towns that have great restaurants. These drives give you a better feel for the real Italy but take more time than using the motorway.
How far in advance should I book a car in Bologna? In the busy season (summer) or when there's a trade fair on, you should book at least 2 to 3 months early. Bologna has big exhibitions all year, which can make it much harder to find a car. During less busy times (winter, but not holidays), booking 1 to 2 weeks ahead is usually enough.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Bologna? You'll need a current driver's license, your passport, a credit card in the main driver's name and an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official Italian translation if your license isn't from an EU/EEA country. Many rental companies will ask for an IDP anyway. If your license doesn't use the Latin alphabet (the one used for English), you must bring an IDP or a translation as well.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support